Entry to the shuttle was through a large hatch in the rear of the vessel. The hatch could be opened via a control pad next to the impulse engines. There were benches for passenger seating in the aft section and ample room for cargo. A separate systems display was also found in the aft area, as were storage bins. (TNGepisodes: "The Outcast", "Suspicions")

At 6m long, 4.4m wide and 2.7m high, the standard shuttle had a mass of 3.38 metric tonnes and was unarmed. It could accomodate two flight crew and six passengers, or for diplomatic missions, the passenger compartment could be reconfigured to provide enhanced accomodations for two VIPs.

Type 6 shuttles were easily configurable for testing of a variety of technologies. (TNGepisode: "Suspicions")

An uprated type-6 was also available with limited weaponry for special operations and a higher top speed. This uprated version mounted two type-IVphaseremitters and had two 2,100 millicochrane warp engines, which enabled the shuttle to sustain Warp 2 for 36 hours.